The Stanley No. 9½ is the most widely produced block plane.
The 20° bed angle allows work both with and across the grain. The adjustable mouth lets you dial in shaving thickness — tighter for fine work, more open for faster stock removal. An essential tool for chamfering, cleaning corners, and working small parts.
Character
The No. 9½ is the workhorse of block planes. Simple mechanism, reliable fence, compact size — it fits in one hand. The adjustable mouth is the key feature: closing it prevents grain tear-out during fine cuts.
Use
- Chamfering edges
- Cleaning corners and steps
- Working small or narrow parts
- End grain with care
- General planing with and across the grain
In the collection
The example in the collection comes from a lot of four block planes (2024) — together with No. 60½, No. 19 Sweetheart, and a Craftsman block plane.